Synthetic methods for the preparation of phosphinic derivatives (esters and amides) are summarized. The basic method is, when phosphinic chlorides are reacted with alcohols or amines. These reactions take place under mild conditions, but utilize expensive chlorides, need a solvent, and a base has to be added to remove the HCl formed. On conventional heating, the phosphinic acids resist undergoing derivatizations by nucleophiles. However, on microwave (MW) irradiation, the phosphinic acids could be esterified by alcohols. The direct esterification does not require an extra solvent, it is atomic efficient, but needs a relatively higher temperature. The similar amidations were reluctant. Phosphinic acids may also be esterified by alkylation that may be promoted by combined phase transfer catalysis and MW irradiation. It is also possible to convert the phosphinic acids by different reagents (e.g. by the T3P reactant) to a more reactive intermediate that is ready to react with alcohols or amines. Other methods, such as preparation by the Arbuzov reaction or by fragmentation-related phosphorylation are also discussed.